Jim Berk Resigns as CEO of Participant Media in Midst of Strategic Review

After eight years as CEO of Participant Media, Jim Berk has resigned from the company, effective immediately. Participant founder Jeff Skoll will act as interim CEO as the company searches for Berk’s replacement.

Skoll recently instigated a strategic review of Participant by McKinsey & Co., which likely led to Berk’s resignation. Employees learned of his exit via a company-wide email that preceded a meeting in which Skoll described the upcoming transition.

“I am grateful to Jim for leading Participant over the last eight and [a] half years, expanding the company to span film, television and digital, serving a global audience of socially conscious consumers,” said Skoll. “Jim has been instrumental to Participant’s success, and we all wish him well as he embarks on the next stage of his career.”

“It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Participant Media,” said Berk. “I am incredibly proud of our collective work to drive change through entertainment, but after more than eight years at Participant it is the right time for someone else to take the helm. I look forward to the company’s continued success.”

“I’ve never been more energized or excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Participant. We remain committed to inspiring and compelling social change to the world’s most pressing problems through the power of great stories and engaging our audiences to take meaningful action,” added Skoll.

Participant has been behind “Lincoln,” “The Help,” “Contagion” and “Citizenfour,” while its upcoming slate includes Steven Spielberg‘s “Bridge of Spies,” Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight,” Derek Cianfrance‘s “The Light Between Oceans” and the Idris Elba movie “Beasts of No Nation.”